Number 10. Already. We are thrilled to start counting in tens, especially given your reaction. Soon we will be able to talk in terms of «Acharnœurs» and «Acharnœuses»… A good reason to keep going. There are plenty of new surprises to come. Don’t hesitate to sign up for our newsletter to get a first look.

news qui court 10

This short movie is a commercial and it's called "Signs" and it's beautiful!It has been an inspiration for the short movie we let you discover in the issue n°8?See the movie Signs

PRESERVATION INSTINCT

Long live parabens! Well, now we’ve said it. But given the different scandals in recent years, such a statement is not without risk. However…

Let’s rewind a little. Parabens are the preservatives that have been used in certain food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for almost a century for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal action. So, basically to avoid mould and infections. And they work really well! But on March 3rd 2005, the investigative news programme «Envoyé Spécial» threw a spanner in the works by presenting a study that concluded that there was a link between parabens and breast cancer. This remains a theory. And while, in the interim, no other study has been able to confirm this cause and effect, it is too late: the collective fear now exists. Since then, they’ve been blamed for allergies, skin ageing, male sterility… The whole shebang!

So is it all wrong? No. Allergies do exist, to everything, starting with food. As for the other allegations, multiple factors (quantity, category, use, application, combination…) have to be taken into account and nothing is that simple or categorical. Whatever. It’s enough to for everyone flee parabens like the plague – especially in cosmetology – and for there to be regular attempts to have them banned entirely.

But if so, what do we use to replace them? That is the real question and the real issue. Formulae using vegetable and/or essential oils? An alternative that unfortunately does not apply to all products. Benzyl alcohol? That can also be a cause of allergies. Dehydroacetic acid? Permitted in certain conditions. Methylisothiazolinone? Already a factor in causing eczema. In short, we would have to replace parabens with preservatives about which we have even less distance, less studies and less visibility. We seem to be jumping in without looking first. We are putting products on our faces and bodies that are perhaps even more dangerous! Even certain pharmacists are starting to try to calm things down, quietly whispering: «You know, parabens aren’t all that bad…». And when we know that the products «without» are much more expensive than the products « with », they are acting against their own interests. But their advice can in our favour. * by Phillipa Darbre at the University of Reading

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON

Amanda Sthers wins. The comments by Johnny Hallyday with whom she has written an «autobiography»*, the idea for which was hers, are getting a reaction. And not just the ones about Adeline, the ex-«idole des jeunes’ (youth idol)» ex-wife. We’re more interested in what he has to say about David...

How can a father talk about his son like that? And in public no less. In the book, Johnny Hallyday clearly blames his son David for having been «brought up in comfort», for having been «happy» - the last straw – and decrees that this means he’s not a real rocker and that as a result «he never really knew what to do with his talent» even though he recognises that David is «a great artist».

Johnny is well aware of the fact that you need to suffer to «be hungry». But for a man whose irretrievable father made his own childhood a misery not to ask himself if his own absence from David’s life wasn’t a cause of «suffering» for his son, even in his ivory tower?And did he never stop to think that David, who is constantly in search of recognition - once notably attained with his «Sang pour sang» album that he wrote entirely himself - would not feel betrayed by such comments? Worse still, that such comments could call into question the entire existence that David tried to build despite his status as a «son of», a situation that can seriously cause problems?

So Johnny is the only one qualified to have a rock n'roll attitude because he had an unhappy start to a life that, by the way, also gave him so much? Only he can define the degree of suffering one must undergo to be «hungry»? What Johnny seems to forget is that unhappiness, when used over and over again as an alibi becomes complacency, while happiness, when thrown up as a reproach, becomes a rare talent. And it’s most likely that his son has much more of that talent than he does.

THUSTHEY ARE

One had to accept the resignation of its head, which hadn’t happened for 600 years. The other lost its famous logo which had never happened before. Almost the same day! Some days, pages get turned so fast it feels like a very strong wind is blowing…

And it is blowing!

It all seems as if the two churches – the Catholic one and the French communist party – only just realised, or just barely understood that they couldn’t keep going on as if everything was alright. Refusing to acknowledge subjects such as contraception, protection against AIDS, priests marrying, things like that. Hanging on to one’s hammer and sickle while the rest of the world is running on a different gear since it invented new tools, new codes.Since the world no longer speaks Latin or Stalin (even though, Pierre Laurent, the only candidate to his own succession was re-elected with a 90%, Soviet style…).

So, we will just say that what will remain of Benedict XVI will be his resignation and the rubbing out by Pierre Laurent of his party’s «brand» is his first «globally positive» gesture. Let’s hope for some more wind…

EYE FOR AN EYE

The summary on the cover is strangely reminiscent of another story: a man tries to kill his wife by faking an accident and leaving her for dead. But she doesn’t die, she is saved by the timely arrival on the scene of a good Samaritan, her husband never finds out and so she comes back for revenge. In short, it sounds a lot like «Return to Eden», the hugely successful Australian mini-series that burst on to our screens in the eighties.

But the comparison ends there. In Carl Hiaasen’s «Skinny Dip», first published in 2004, the wife Joey is definitely not an innocent victim who gets stronger as the plot develops, and Chaz, the husband is far from the Machiavellian husband with the Midas touch. Au contraire! When Joey finds herself in the middle of the ocean having been pushed off her husband’s liner, she tries to figure out what could have caused this act. Among the reasons: «The moisturising cream that she put on her face at night that smelt slightly of insecticide». Then she concludes that her husband is a loser and decides, once she recovers, to make his life a misery. And when a woman decides to make a man’s life hell, that’s just what happens.

Chaz is indeed a loser. No more no less. Every plan he has ends in disaster. He has a talent for diving head first into crazy schemes and dumb decisions.

This all turns into a totally zany and hilarious novel. The reader regularly bursts out laughing, not at the line they just read but because it comes on the heels of an accumulation of crazy situations from the start of the book. And even after 500 pages, they are sad to get to the end. Having said that, even after a few years, this burst of madcap humour stays. Take a reader’s word for it!

ROMANS

The photographer Olivier Roller went to have a little talk with the Roman Emperors in a deserted Louvre, and reminds us through this profoundly «human» series that while power is immutable, man is brittle, and time is stronger than anything. Worrying.

LEMONED!

In California, one of its varieties is called the Eureka. What a great name for a lemon! This fruit is miraculous. And if we select from other categories like the Verna in Spain or the Interdonato in Sicily, it still possesses many beneficial qualities. It’s powers are hidden behind a thick, shiny, skin, bright like the sun that heats the earth it grows on. It is like a veritable medicine cupboard and its health benefits have been well known for a long time. In Ancient Rome, the anti-venom power of the lemon was used to treat snake bites and apparently Nero, who was constantly terrified of being poisoned, ate lemons as an antidote.

These days this acidic citrus fruit is recommended for its incomparable level of vitamin C that reinforces our natural defences and helps us to fight the flu and other contagious germs in winter. It was used as a remedy against scurvy in sailors at one time. It is excellent for blood circulation thanks to its cleansing and decongestant qualities. It works against diabetes as it makes glucose levels drop. Lemons are also high in vitamins A, B1 and B2, and above all in calcium, phosphor, potassium, magnesium, etc. Not to mention its delicious fragrance in cosmetics, it is a powerful antioxidant that slows down skin ageing. It is also a good antiseptic that disinfects wounds and encourages the healing process.

In the same way that lemon juice prevents peeled fruits from going black (bananas, avocadoes, mushrooms), it also whitens teeth – but too much acidity can be harmful. Unless you prefer to use it as a vinegar in marinades (carpaccio or tuna) or as a detergent on brass and silver, and even for removing stains (rust among others) from clothes. Another unexpected, unusual property: remember using lemon juice as invisible ink that can only be read by heating the paper over a candle…

So, if you want to have fun, don’t miss the «Fête du citron» in Menton*, a town that has a lemon as its emblem since 1934, with its carnival, and giant citrus sculptures … A cocktail of good humour!

20H ELSEWHERE

To start with, there’s the title: «Vinvinteur», a cheeky reference to the high mass of the «vingt heures» nightly news on the big television channels. A Sunday news from the Web programme on France 5 at… «20 heures».

But this bawdy humour is to be found all the way through the half-hour programme, even though before seeing it we thought it was more about clear information rather than sketches and rapid-fire commentary. With an Antoine de Caunes from 25 years ago-style delivery and some seriously rushed visuals: yet again, just like other channels that deal with what’s happening on the internet, we get the impression of a forced, superficial and clownish modernity, on the pretext that the medium is new and this is the television of tomorrow. Screen clash?

This is unfortunate as there is so much to be done with subjects that deserve time for the pleasure of those truly interested and those that need it. But here, we retain nothing.

All this despite the fact that the programme is split into totally traditional sections: press review, file, guest, the week in… A schedule that doesn’t give «Vinvinteur » a score of 20/20… for now.

Cyrto

Cyrto is extremely shy and prefers the shadows to the light. She is an illustrator and graphic artist and is spending more and more time on her true calling: creating fantastic worlds from her own emotion, impulse and imagination. She invents but does not reinvent. She follows no trend or influence but instead takes all her inspiration from her inner self. Her uniquely artistic approach will soon be visible through her writing and directing.

CYRTO GLOVES

The whole idea comes from the glove as second skin. Cyrto creates indelible designs on gloves evoking ramifications, sketches… connections. Each piece is unique and comes only from her imagination. There are no rules, no hierarchy, the cells form every instant and grow together through paths and encounters. Her lines tell of a fantastic world that is almost invisible to the naked eye. Between tattoo art and a pseudo-botanic vision, the lines of the hand take on a new meaning.

Gloves made to order.

The approach is entirely artistic. The final piece is handed over in exchange for an envelope in which the client « gives » the amount they wish.

The Acharnœur will act as intermediary but takes no commission. For more information: avenue@acharnoeur.com

Let It Be Men - 54€

Created by two jewellery fans (including the ex-founder of Mercerie Moderne), Let It Be is a Parisian brand that is still quite low key. The charm lies in a collection of cheeky, sometimes ecumenical pieces but are not worn just as symbols. On the contrary: Let It Be is aimed at the liberated men or women who have decided to be themselves, instead of defining herself relative to others… Who wear Let It Be lay claim to nothing, except beauty!

THE LET IT BE SELECTIONFOR L’ACHARNŒUR

This bracelet is a key piece in the collection. It is made from leather and white magnetic metal, it is both male and chic, elegant and rock and roll. Perfect alliance between sobriety and confirmed style. A stand-out piece sold exclusively on l’Acharnœur.

Let It Be - 63€

Created by two jewellery fans (including the ex-founder of Mercerie Moderne), Let It Be is a Parisian brand that is still quite low key. The charm lies in a collection of cheeky, sometimes ecumenical pieces but are not worn just as symbols. On the contrary: Let It Be is aimed at the liberated men or women who have decided to be themselves, instead of defining herself relative to others… Who wear Let It Be lay claim to nothing, except beauty!

THE LET IT BE SELECTIONFOR L’ACHARNŒUR

This bracelet is a key piece in the collection. It is made from soft leather and white metal, it is both chic and gothic, ultra-precious and rock and roll. The clasp dresses the wrist with a refinement and originality that attracts all women, regardless of their age or style. A stand-out piece sold exclusively on l’Acharnœur and also available without the skull.

A venir

Aline Lang - 80€

Aline Lang is a photographer and graphic artist who one day, for fun, drew a bracelet watch like a piece of film. A designer at Cartier, Omega, liked it and oriented her into watch face design. Her first watch was for the bicentenary of the French revolution. Since then she has designed over forty watches, including one for the Bibliothèque nationale. Her rare and unusual creations are born from her inspiration and are produced as limited editions.

THE ACHARNŒUR’S SELECTION

The Gallops watch. An homage to chronophotography (the decomposition of a movement by a succession of photographs) and to Muybridge’s work that in 1878, proved that the four legs of a horse leave the ground at the same time when the horse gallops. This watch was first made by a big luxury house before being edited by the Musée d’Orsay. Its leather bracelet and particularly flat face makes this version timeless.

Gabriella de Galzain - 125€

She used to work under the name «Frénétik». Today Gabriella de Galzain is coming out of hiding and is launching her eponymous brand. She makes baroque, romantic, rock n’ roll jewellery that expresses a bohemian spirit of elegance and freedom, paying homage to the most beautiful icons. Her undeniable talent can be seen in brooches, necklaces, earrings, cuff-links… She counts many stars among her greatest fans and some of her pieces tell the most beautiful stories.

A GABRIELLA DE GALZAIN DESIGN ONLY FOR L’ACHARNŒUR

We requested an homage to the Eiffel Tower. Only for l'Acharnœur, Gabriella de Galzain came up with this timeless yet contemporary brooch. The blend of off-whites means it can be worn at all times. Pearls, chains, crystals, ceramic flowers… The codes of elegance and femininity with an essential touch of impertinence. All the audacity of the “Grand Dame” herself.

EXTREME SENSATIONS

Owning nice shoes, we know. A good lipstick, we know. Good hair ? We’re trying… Even the stars have hair issues. This is because they don’t know Opalis Paris’s hair care products and the Institut on the rue de Ponthieu.

Here, cut or colour are not the issue, care is. Just care. And only hair care. From the doorstep, the ambience and odours envelop one in an absolute luxury. It must be said that the Institut’s founder Sophie Quincerot, has a particular talent for making everything ooze refinement and hedonism.

Martine then takes over for the transformation process. And transformation is the right term. However one feels nothing but the relaxation* of neck, shoulder and scalp massages… not to mention face shiatsu. Comfortably ensconced, even lying down sometimes in their exceptional armchairs, designed so that you don’t move even slightly, whether you are having a custom-made cataplasm applied, having your hair rinsed or hydrated with ozone steam. An hour and a half minimum where you forget everything, you might even fall asleep. You come out different, so does your hair. While you feel perfectly relaxed, it looks full of life !

But, it is true that not everyone is lucky enough to live in the capital. All is not lost ! Opalis Paris has a range of amazing products available in numerous outlets in France and abroad, and especially on their website. From shampoos to "La Crème" (Star Product) to "La Loton", they adapt to our frenetic lives (no wait times for example. Finally !) and you see a result immediately. How is this possible ? Well, still thanks to the tenacity of Sophie Quincerot, who can turn the world upside down, or search the web to find the best essential oils or vegetable extracts… Your bathroom is impregnated with dizzying odours, your hair gets to enjoy practically bespoke treatments. The press has been generous with its praise and among big fans : Dita von Teese, Emmanuelle Seigner, Naomie Watts, Léa Seydoux... So if you want to get ahead, go to Opalis Paris.

* as part of the soin Suprême.

M.V.

• Coming soon, a new special offer from «Opalis Paris» in l’Avenue.• For more information: www.opalisparis.com

BRIOCHERIE - TOURSTours Station Line "Fil Bleu"

The inhabitants of Tours know where to go. They are refined connoisseurs of their culinary heritage and since 1907, have been queuing up for these divine brioches! The store frontage is relatively charmless, the interior is sparse, but no matter, the delicious odour of brioches of various types has us drooling immediately; often still warm, they come small, big, round, rectangle, sweet versions with chocolate, chestnut puree, but also savoury with blue cheese sauce or salmon… Travellers, do yourselves a favour, take a look, it’s a stone’s throw from the station! Enjoyment guaranteed!

NO FIXED DATE OF BIRTH

There is no February 29th this year. So that means no birthday for those born on the last day of this «quadrennial» month? Unlikely! Even for those who defy time and want to retain an Olympic form be declaring their age to be twenty when they are eighty…

So what do they do when its not a leap year?

The hardest thing is choosing the «replacement» date: before or after the day that has temporarily dropped of the calendar? Before is the 28th of February and some are wary of celebrating the day before in case it brings bad luck. So they go for March 1st, the following day. But the problem is it isn’t even February anymore! And some refuse to change months. There are only so many upsets one can take! The cleverest ones have found the best solution and a way of making the fun last: they celebrate their birthday on February 28th and on March 1st: «a two-day birthday!». Enough to make everyone else jealous! Having said that, its doesn’t mean twice as many presents …

What about actually changing your date of birth? Impossible! Even though certain rare doctors turn a blind eye when filling out the forms, the 29th of February is what goes down in most maternity hospitals when making the declaration. There can be no cheating, even to try to avoid this comedy!

But relax; apart from the date issue, those born on February 29th are rarely traumatised. Even though one psychoanalyst reported a child having developmental issues due to the fact that his birthday only appeared every four years, for the most part they are proud of their particularity! They stand out from other and it makes them a little «exceptional». They have «something extra», a little narcissistic boost straight out of the cradle. But above all, they are able to say «they don’t look their age». February 29th, an elixir of youth?

HOMELAND SECURITY

Sharing a room with one’s sister for almost two decades is not easy, especially when you both have explosive characters! But, we survived the at times painful, often complicit adventure, and to be honest full of great memories…

This «forced» cohabitation did however require strict rules, signed theatrically as soon as the older sister knew how to write. Rule number one: «Thou shall not cross the border from your space»… There were plenty of border crossings that ended with slammed doors and mutual invasions of fiercely defended territories!

We tried everything; a wall of kaplas down the middle of the room, our desks as barricades, but above all two tepees, timely gifts from our parents.

Both tents were full of our treasures and both had threatening «No entry» signs hanging outside. Things got more complicated when we hit puberty… But we developed ingenious ways of defending our privacy; the establishment of a timer system that measured down to the second the time we would each have to ourselves in the room. This made our friends laugh, impressed as they were with our level of organisation.

Finally, the most difficult part was when my sister left the nest to start college in another town. Many tears were shed in secret as I missed the closeness I felt with her for so long… And I realised the level of adaptability I had developed having shared a small space for so long, and the links I had with my sister who became my soul mate.

As an adult I can now sleep anywhere, nothing bothers me; a holiday home for six with twelve occupants, a tiny hotel room… But above all I used my skills to great advantage when my company changed offices into an open space; my colleagues panicked at the thought of losing their protective bubble, their four walls, but I taught them slowly how to appropriate their space. A question of survival for me too !